A prison doctor who assessed Aboriginal woman Veronica Nelson in the days before her death has told an inquest he has absolutely no recollection of her and labelled a nurse who earlier criticised him an "alarmist" and "liar".
The family of Veronica have granted permission to use her image.
On December 30, 2019, Veronica — a Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman — was arrested on outstanding warrants relating to shoplifting charges and remanded in the Melbourne Custody Centre overnight.
The next day she was assessed by Dr Sean Runacres with the assistance of nurse Stephanie Hills.
Two days later she was found dead in her cell, after making repeated calls for help through the intercom.
An autopsy found she died from complications caused by a rare medical condition affecting the intestine and heroin withdrawal.
Nurse Ms Hills earlier told the inquest she was "alarmed" by Veronica's appearance and had suggested sending her to hospital but was overruled by Dr Runacres.
On Thursday, Dr Runacres had a chance to tell his side of the story.
When asked about his dealings with Veronica, he told the inquest he had no recollection of assessing her or even meeting her.
He later also conceded that he did not remember when he heard about her death.
Dr Runacres told the inquest his evidence was based on the notes he made at the time, however some of his notes were found to have inaccuracies, including her weight.
Ms Hills earlier told the court it was not possible to get Veronica onto the scales to be weighed.
The medical assessment also included an incorrect diagnosis of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
The diagnosis had originally appeared on a separate medical assessment nine months earlier.
Doctor labels Nurse who criticised him 'a liar'
When questioned by counsel assisting Sharon Lacy about Ms Hills evidence about the assessment, including that Veronica was slumping, incoherent and very unwell, Dr Runacres called her a "liar" and said he did not trust her.
Sharon Lacy: "Ms Hills says none of those things occurred."
Sean Runacres: "I think Nurse Hills is a liar."
Sharon Lacy: "Ms Hills told the coroner you did not get out of your chair."
Sean Runacres: "I think Nurse Hills is a liar."
Dr Runacres told the inquest he did not recall a conversation between him and Ms Hills about sending Veronica to hospital, although he said there may have been a conversation like that about a prisoner at some point.
"I found Nurse Hills to be excitable, easily alarmed, I don't place a lot of value on her clinical judgment," he told the court.
He also said having viewed the footage shown to the court of Veronica walking down the corridor, he could tell she was well.
"An extremely unwell person wouldn't walk down a corridor with their hands on their hips," Dr Runacres said.
"I've seen a lot of sick people in my time as a paramedic and a doctor. If someone is presenting… if they're able to present like that down a corridor…heart rate in normal range. I'd call that well."
Doctor denies bias in medical assessment
When asked by the lawyer representing Veronica's partner if he had treated her differently because he considered her inferior, Dr Runacres strongly rejected the assertion.
"I worked in prison specifically because I enjoyed making a difference in people's lives," he told the inquest.
"I worked in this environment because I actually had the ability to practice real, meaty medicine. I enjoyed and thrived on the environment that was there."
Dr Runacres also admitted to the court that he actively chooses not to remember patients, which was why he could not recall Veronica.
"Prior to training as a medical practitioner, I was a paramedic," he told the inquest.
"I've seen more dead people than I care to remember. I've seen some pretty horrific sights, things torment me at night.
"I make it a conscientious effort not to remember so I can sleep. I choose not to remember my patients."
Dr Runacres has been given immunity for his testimony, which is common in inquests.
The inquest continues.
